Soft Skills: Writing and Research Skills Copy 2

Learning Resources Writing and Research Skills

Writing and Research Skills Icon Welcome to your journey of mastering the writing process! In this course, you will explore each step, from brainstorming your topic to finalizing your work, while focusing on your own writing assignment. By learning and applying each stage, you’ll strengthen your writing skills and create polished, interesting pieces. Each tool on this page is designed to help you practice a specific skill, but together they will help you become a stronger writer overall. Let’s begin and turn your ideas into well-crafted writing!

You can explore the content and activities on this page in any order that works for you. If you try out all the tools and resources, you will be able to:

  • Ask the right questions to choose an engaging writing topic.
  • Identify the purpose behind your writing.
  • Organize your ideas by creating a clear outline.
  • Conduct meaningful research for your writing topic.
  • Draft and revise your papers with intention.
  • Schedule and attend a writing lab appointment.

Write Like a Pro (1-Minute)

The Writing Process

typewriter with papers flying out

Engaging thoughtfully in each step of the writing process helps you produce clear, organized, and polished work. It includes brainstorming, identifying a purpose for your writing, outlining (prewriting), researching, drafting, revising, and peer review. Each stage focuses on a different skill that builds on the others, helping you become a stronger writer. Explore each step below with your own writing project in mind, and see how these techniques can make your writing more effective. 

Use the tools below to practice each step. It’s best to do most of your actual writing in a word processor like Google Docs or Microsoft Word.

Brainstorming a Topic: Listing

One way to brainstorm is to make at least two lists: one about what you already know and one about what you want to learn. Here are some questions to guide your list of things you know:

  • Why do you want to write about this topic?
  • Is your knowledge of this topic mostly positive or negative?
  • Do you have reliable facts or just hearsay?

When creating your list of things you want to know, consider:

  • Where can you learn more about this topic?
  • What are all the different viewpoints people have on this topic?
  • What do people who disagree with you say about this topic?
  • How much does your audience know about this subject, and what do you need to explain?

Brainstorming is all about getting as many ideas as possible. You never know which angle will help you narrow your focus and create a strong paper. Try it for yourself with the tool below.

Writing Support Resources

The Student Success Center’s writing support team can help you at any stage of the writing process—brainstorming, outlining, understanding writing concepts, reviewing rubrics, going over instructor feedback, reviewing your papers before submission, or even formatting citations.

Writing Lab Services

You can get writing help from the Student Success Center in the following ways:

  • Scheduled tutoring appointments (virtual or in-person). If you have a draft, it helps to submit it when you book so your tutor can prepare.
  • Scheduled asynchronous appointments, where your tutor reviews your work on their own and sends you feedback and a recorded video afterward.
  • Drop-in tutoring, which is great for brainstorming or outlining. For a paper review, a scheduled appointment is recommended so your tutor has time to read your work.
  • Sending a message and getting a response within one business day.

For instructions on using ConexED, please visit .

Schedule an Appointment Links to an external site.

Required Preparation

To get the most out of your appointment, please attach these items (in a single document if possible) when you schedule:

  • The assignment instructions (including the assignment name and course name, like “ENGL-041-T002”).
  • The grading rubric, if available.
  • A copy of your draft, unless you’re only brainstorming or outlining.
  • Any other related materials or information.
  • Specific questions or concerns you want feedback on.

If you can’t attach these items in the scheduling form, you can also email them before your appointment to

Make sure you also have access to these documents during your appointment.

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